Korea and Japan Launch Exclusive Immigration Lanes for 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between South Korea and Japan, both governments announced on May 21, 2025, that they will operate exclusive immigration lanes for citizens of both countries throughout June. This marks the first time that fast-track immigration lanes have been established specifically for nationals of these two countries.

South Korean travelers can utilize these dedicated lanes at Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport (Tokyo) and Fukuoka Airport when visiting Japan. In South Korea, dedicated immigration lanes for Japanese citizens will be set up at Gimpo and Gimhae Airports. The service is available to short-term visitors who have traveled to the other country at least once in the past year, allowing them to bypass regular immigration lines for quicker processing. However, the service is limited to flights arriving between 9 AM and 4 PM.

Before departure, South Korean citizens must pre-register on the 'Visit Japan Web' (vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/ko) to use the exclusive lanes, while Japanese travelers are also required to complete an electronic entry declaration in advance. At Fukuoka and Gimhae Airports, travelers can use the dedicated lanes regardless of their airline, but at Haneda and Gimpo Airports, only passengers flying with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines, or All Nippon Airways (ANA) can access these lanes.

The introduction of these exclusive immigration lanes is part of a series of joint events commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Since December of last year, both governments have been collaborating on various initiatives, including a simultaneous lighting ceremony at Namsan Seoul Tower and Tokyo Tower in February. A representative from the Ministry of Justice stated, "This initiative will serve as a catalyst for enhancing people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Japan."